Crawford predicts tough test at Bradford

Ali Crawford says Rovers will need to be prepared for a difficult test when they travel to Bradford City on Saturday.

The Bantams are currently fighting for their Sky Bet League One lives and have registered some impressive home victories including a 3-1 home victory over Rovers’ play-off rivals Peterborough United. Rovers, on the other hand, have struggled away from home in recent weeks but Crawford feels Saturday offers an chance to rectify that.

“Our record away from home hasn’t been great but we’ve got an opportunity to put that right on Saturday and get back to winning ways on the road,” said Crawford.

“The previous two games were must wins and thankfully we have done that in convincing style by scoring seven goals. We’re looking forward to Saturday, hopefully we can continue our good form and good starts. We always try and get on the front foot at the start of every game and if we do that, it gives us a really good opportunity to go on and win.

“Bradford’s form hasn’t been great recently but they’re fighting for their lives so they’ll want to win every point possible to give them the best chance of surviving so we need to be ready for that. It’s up to us to make sure we don’t take our foot off the gas or take it lightly, we need to go there guns blazing and get three points.”

With injuries keeping Herbie Kane and Ben Whiteman out of the team, Crawford has taken on a more defensive midfield role alongside Tommy Rowe in the previous two games.

“It’s not the best when you lose two out of three midfielders especially with the way Herbie Kane and Ben Whiteman have been playing this season. It was tough to start with but we’ve changed things a bit to help combat that loss, you’ve seen that in the last few matches and it has helped us get back to winning ways,” he said.

“Obviously, I’m usually the player getting forward so to change that has been a bit new for me, but I’m always willing to learn and that defensive side of my game is something that I need to work on. I think in the last few games I have improved and I’m enjoying it.

“I think I’ve shown I can play in that role if needed and I’ll happily play there if that’s what’s needed. As long as I’m on that pitch, wherever I play, I just want game time under my belt and for the team to win. If you look too much at the league and at the teams around you then you’re setting yourself up for a fall. You just need to take each game as it comes and that starts on Saturday.”

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